Almost everybody seems to be talking about Web 2.0 these days. Never mind the fact that many people throw around the term without knowing too much about it.

Do you do that too? Don't worry. You're not alone. But it's time you explored what it was.

Before we get into Web 2.0 software and define what it is in dry as dust terminology, take a moment to answer my question: What do these websites have in common: wikipedia, del.icio.us and Ning?

The answer is simple really. They are all websites that aim to use the power of the information highway (a.k.a the Internet) to hook people together. They look to users to create quality content, share expertise and provide balanced opinions (and checks) through social interaction. Their fundamental ideology is this: people have an axe to grind, so, why not let them do it in public? Give them a place to express themselves and the resulting system will grow exponentially. Obviously, social networks built around a common theme are quite successful.

Web 2.0 decoded

Web 2.0 marketing strategies consist of a number of Internet marketing software that operate on the belief that when you invite your users to create and contribute to your content pool, you will get unbelievable volumes of traffic. Participating in these kinds of strategies can raise your profile and help you promote your business, products or services.

As you know, there is a hot race to possess certain pockets of data. So, what do you do if you're not the only one to own that data? The next best thing. Shout the loudest, so people flock to you for information and don't go to your competitors for it. The one who shouts the loudest gets the meatier portion. It's as simple as that. Harnessing collective intelligence is how O'Reilly defines it. Directing hordes of traffic is how web masters see it.

"Getting repeat visits from users is what selling is about."

People who browse the net have very short memories and they will dump you if you don't keep yourself in the full blast of their view.

"Social Bookmarking is a potent Web 2.0 Marketing strategy. "

It helps you attract targeted traffic to your website.

Is it really everything it's made out to be?

If you run a website, you already have an idea of the adrenalin rush that web masters feel when they open their web page and see a sudden explosion in the number of hits their page landed. You open your inbox and there is a clump of messages clamoring for attention. 'Delighted' does not nearly explain the feeling. I mean, how do you feel when you're almost dead sure that there's a pot of gold waiting for you just around the corner?

Social bookmarking is one of the most potent types of Web 2.0 software used to build traffic to your website. I am talking about serious web traffic, the kind that registers hundreds of new visitors and a couple of thousands of repeat visitors every day. Yes, with social bookmarking, this scenario is more than doable.

So, let us get you started on the social bookmarking gig right away.